"Out of those taken, 398 monks have been sent back to their respective monasteries," the paper said.

The newspaper also said thousands of people have reportedly attended rallies across the country in support of the government.

Malaysia has urged Myanmar's military leaders to hold unconditional talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy opposition leader.

According to Bernama, the Malaysian state national news agency, Syed Hamid Albar, the foreign minister, said: "Let there be a meeting without any preconditions to discuss the future of Myanmar before the international community enforces stronger pressure."

Albar also said that the Malaysian government disagreed with any attempt to impose economic sanctions, or the use of military action against Myanmar.

'Internal affair'

He was quoted as saying that the situation in Myanmar was "an issue of the violation of laws and basic human rights, not a threat toward international peace and security".